Renewed hostilities have erupted between NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) and host communities in Bayelsa State over unresolved disputes surrounding security vessel contracts.
Eight oil-producing communities — Koluama 1 & 2, Ezetu 1 & 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, and Sangana — have issued a fresh ultimatum, threatening to shut down operations at Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 86 and 88 if their concerns are not addressed within seven days.
The KEFFES Host Communities Development Trust accused NEPL and its contractors of sidelining local stakeholders in awarding key security contracts traditionally seen as avenues for community empowerment. The communities alleged that Pennington Production Limited, which operates the fields, along with contractors Multiplan Nigeria Limited and EDEMX, failed to engage or consult local leaders before taking over the contracts.
In a letter to NEPL, Chairman of the KEFFES Trust, Chief Tuduo Christopher, warned that the company’s “nonchalant attitude” risked sparking unrest in the region. The letter highlighted several unresolved issues, including the refusal of the new contractors to attend meetings held between April and May 2025, and complaints of delayed payments to local contractors — some of which reportedly date back to 2023.
Describing the vessels as more than operational tools, the letter emphasized their symbolic value, stating they are regarded as “monuments of peace” that support over 250 direct and 400 indirect beneficiaries within the communities.
Citing Section 257(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the Trust warned that failure to address these grievances could lead to vandalism, sabotage, or civil unrest. It further stated that NEPL would be held responsible for any disruption in operations, noting that the letter serves as official notice of the company’s inaction.
The Trust called on NEPL to urgently convene a meeting between its Board of Trustees and the new contractors within seven days. Failure to comply, the letter warned, would prompt a demand for the evacuation of all contractors and vessels from the OMLs within 14 days, paving the way for a complete shutdown.
The letter was copied to key government authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and NEPL’s Executive Director of Business Services.
“We are indeed exhausted by the back-and-forth over the KEFFES communities’ security vessels contract,” the letter stated. “We urge you to act decisively and responsibly within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the continuity of peace and prosperity in the KEFFES host communities. A stitch in time saves nine.”
This standoff follows an earlier report in April detailing the initial fallout between the communities and NEPL. With Bayelsa being one of Nigeria’s top oil-producing states, any disruption could have national implications.
The situation also reflects the broader challenge of community engagement faced by oil firms in Nigeria, especially as international companies divest from onshore and shallow water assets, leaving state-owned and indigenous operators to manage increasingly complex relationships.
Efforts to obtain comments from NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to enquiries.
